Myofascial Release
Maximise strength and function.
Equine Myofascial Release Therapy
The specific use of the hands is what sets Equine Myofascial Release Therapy apart from other treatments. Myofascial Release (MFR) uses specific hands-on techniques, which allow the collagen fibres to re-align in a pattern that allows maximum strength and function.
Benefits
- Facilitates inherent healing
- Enhances tissue repair
- Improves function and performance
- Increases range of motion and strength
- Reduces Pain
- Prevents future injuries
- Re-educates the body
MFR techniques include soft tissue, cross-hand stretching, compression, direct pressure, direct pressure sandwich technique, scar release, rebounding and unwinding.
How Does Myofascial Release Work?
The first thing you may notice with MFR is that the therapist’s hands appear to be doing nothing. This is not true… Imagine sitting at the water’s edge in the sand at the beach. The water washes over your hands, the sand softens and your hands slowly sink into the sand. This happens a few times and then you slide your hands until you run into hard sand.
As water comes in, your hand will gradually sink into the sand. The sand does not sink in a symmetrical pattern and your hands will move independently as the sand softens beneath each hand.
Imagine the sand is the tissue of the horse. A hold is held for a minimum of 90 -120 seconds, a low load, long duration stretch is used, and the hand will follow the body as it pulls, pushes and allows the reorganisation of the fascia. As the ground substance is hydrated, the fibres of the fascia relax and allow increased function.